PHILADELPHIA — Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton on Wednesday picked up the endorsement of Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, who wished Clinton and her presidential rivals would drop the rancor.

"I don't like it," Rendell, the garrulous former chairman of the Democratic National Committee, said at a news conference in an ornate room in Philadelphia City Hall.

"I have tremendous respect for Sen. Obama and Sen. Edwards and of course great respect and affection for Sen. Clinton," he said. "I would love it if we could do it with less acrimony."

Rendell also blamed reporters for encouraging the political rough and tumble and said the candidates were expected to participate in too many televised debates. Rendell said that if he were still DNC chairman he would limit the number of debates to four or five, each on a specific topic.

Emotions spilled over in a televised debate Monday, where Clinton and Obama exchanged pointed and personal barbs over issues and character while Edwards battled for air time.

Pennsylvania doesn't hold its primary until April 22 but Rendell said he was eager to campaign for Clinton in neighboring New Jersey and Delaware, which hold contests on "mega Tuesday" Feb. 5.